In part 5 of our popular series, we are gathering apps from around the internet that can be beneficial and fun for those with dementia. The following apps may not be appropriate for all the stages of dementia, so test out which apps will be best for your loved one. 

Pocket Pond 2: Everything is Zen in this app, recommended by the Alzheimer’s Association. You and your loved one can design a relaxing pond by adding koi fish, lily pads and other creatures. You can even make splashes in your pool. There are more in depth ways to play, such as raising and selling your koi, but you don’t need to do that to enjoy the game.

Some benefits of the app include:

• It is free to download.
• It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.
• In-app purchase options can be turned off.

Magic Doodle: This app is focused on free drawing; there are no templates or guidelines. Your loved one can draw or just scribble by running a finger or stylus across the screen of your mobile device. There are a variety of colors and art styles to choose from: neon, glow, watercolor, rainbow and more. Its best feature is mirroring, which can turn your doodle into a kaleidoscope image.

Some benefits of the app include:

• It is free to download.
• It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.
• Images can be saved on your gadget.

Tiny Piano and Mini Piano: These two apps, for Apple products and Android devices respectively, allows you to play on… a tiny, mini piano. The little pianos display a section of realistic piano keys, which you and your loved one can press. You can play famous songs or create your own masterpiece. What sets these two piano apps apart is that you can tap any key to follow along with the song. So, your loved one can enjoy the music by just keeping the tempo, hitting anywhere on the piano. This is a great option for those who have limited physical and/or cognitive abilities.

Some benefits of the app include:

• It is free to download.
• It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products, respectively.
• The apps come with free, preloaded songs.

Colorfy: This app makes it easier to participate in the adult coloring trend. Colorfy is equipped with templates or “coloring books,” featuring designs such as mandalas, flowers and animals. To color, select a colored pencil and just tap the section or area you want to fill in. If you make a mistake, you can use the undo option. You can also zoom into the image if your loved one has low vision. The one drawback is that while the app is free, not every “coloring book” is free.

Some benefits of the app include:

• It is free to download.
• It is compatible with Android devices and Apple products.
• The app can run without an internet connection.

Download these apps through the App Store on iPhones and Google Play on Androids. Tell us what you think about them, or comment below about your favorite app for older adults. Look for Part 6 soon! Follow our blog and stay current in apps, home care and much more.

Check out our previous "There's an App for That" posts:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

We do not receive any form of compensation by any of the companies whose products we write about. The opinions expressed are solely that of ComForCare Health Care Holdings, Inc. (“ComForCare”) and have not been independently vetted or reviewed. Prior to using any product (app, software, hardware, etc.) discussed or referenced on this blog, please be sure to conduct an independent analysis of its benefits, costs, and obligations. ComForCare is not responsible for any relationship developed by and between you and the companies that own the products discussed herein.